Finished Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut and felt the story wasn’t over? You’re not alone. Many viewers reach the end of the anime’s 12-episode run feeling the journey of the first vampire in space has only just begun.
The anime adaptation of Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut covers the complete story of the first two light novels. The final scene of anime episode 12 corresponds precisely to the ending of Light Novel Volume 2. To continue the story from where the anime leaves off, you must start reading from the beginning of Light Novel Volume 3.
Based on a direct analysis of the source material, this guide provides the exact starting point for your reading journey. You will discover not only where to begin but also what happens next, how the light novel compares to the anime, and where to find the official books to continue the story of Irina and Lev.
Key Facts
- Anime Coverage: The 12-episode anime series adapts the entirety of Volume 1 and Volume 2 of the original light novel series.
- Continuation Point: To continue the story after the anime’s conclusion, you should start reading from Light Novel Volume 3.
- Series Completion: The main story of the light novel is complete, finishing with its seventh volume in Japan in 2021.
- Critical Acclaim: The original light novel series won the prestigious 53rd Seiun Award in the “Best Japanese Long Story” category in 2022.
- Official English Publisher: The official English translation of the light novel series is licensed and published by Seven Seas Entertainment under their Airship imprint.
Where Does the Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut Anime End in the Light Novel?
The anime adaptation of Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut concludes at the end of Volume 2 of the light novel series. The 12-episode anime is a faithful adaptation of the main plot points from the first two books. This means the final moments you see in episode 12 align directly with the conclusion of the second light novel, making the transition to the books seamless for anime-only fans.
This is a common practice in the anime industry, where a single season often serves as an introduction to a larger, ongoing story in its source material. For viewers who became invested in the alternate history space race and the relationship between Irina Luminesk and Lev Leps, the light novels are the only way to experience the complete narrative.
Therefore, the clear and definitive starting point for anyone wanting to continue the story is Light Novel Volume 3. Starting there ensures you pick up the narrative exactly where the anime left off without repeating story beats or missing any crucial plot developments that follow.
What happens in the light novel after the Irina anime ends?
Starting with Volume 3, the Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut light novel expands the world significantly. It shifts focus to the competing space program in the United Kingdom of Arnack and introduces a new pair of protagonists, Bart Fifield and Kaye Scarlet, whose story explores new challenges in the race to the moon.
This narrative pivot adds a new layer of depth to the series. Instead of solely following the Zirnitra Union’s efforts, the story broadens to show the international scope of the space race. The new characters provide a fresh perspective on the world’s political and technological tensions.
Here’s a spoiler-light breakdown of what to expect:
- New Setting and Focus: The story moves to the rival nation, the United Kingdom of Arnack (the series’ analogue for the United States), and follows its own ambitious space program.
- New Protagonists: The narrative introduces Bart, a brilliant engineer, and Kaye, a dhampir (half-vampire) genius, in a storyline that echoes the real-world events of Hidden Figures.
- Plot Convergence: Subsequent volumes masterfully weave the Zirnitra and Arnack storylines together, eventually bringing the new characters into the orbit of Irina and Lev for a more complex and engaging overarching plot.
This expansion doesn’t mean Irina and Lev are forgotten. Their journey continues to be a central part of the story, but it unfolds against a much larger and more intricate global backdrop.
How Do the Irina Anime and Light Novel Compare?
The anime is a faithful but condensed version of the light novels, which offer significantly more depth. While the anime does an excellent job of adapting the core plot, the nature of the medium requires some details to be streamlined. The light novels provide a richer, more immersive experience.
The most significant difference lies in the characterization. The books offer extensive internal monologues for both Irina and Lev. This gives you a much deeper understanding of their fears, ambitions, and evolving feelings for one another. Aspects like societal prejudice against vampires and the political intrigue of the UZSR are also explored in greater detail. For many fans, the anime’s ending can feel a bit rushed, whereas the light novel’s pacing allows for a more methodical build-up of tension and emotion.
Here is a direct comparison of the key features:
| Feature/Aspect | Anime Adaptation (12 Episodes) | Light Novel (Volumes 1-2) |
|---|---|---|
| Plot Coverage | Faithfully covers all major plot points of the first two volumes. | The complete, original story with all events and subplots intact. |
| Character Depth | Focuses on key interactions and dialogue. | Includes extensive internal monologues and background thoughts for Irina and Lev. |
| World-Building | Presents the essential details of the UZSR and the space race. | Provides much deeper context on political tensions, societal prejudice, and technical details. |
| Pacing | Faster-paced to fit the narrative into 12 episodes; some viewers feel the end is rushed. | More methodical pacing, allowing for greater development of atmosphere and tension. |
| Recommendation | A great introduction to the story and characters. | Recommended for a more detailed and immersive experience of the full story. |
Is the Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut Light Novel Series Complete?
Yes, the Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut light novel series is finished, concluding with the release of Volume 7 in 2021. The main narrative is fully complete across these seven volumes. This means you can invest in the series with confidence, knowing that you will get a full, concluded story without waiting for future installments.
In addition to the main series, there is also one side-story volume that offers supplemental tales within the same universe. For readers who want to explore every corner of this world, this extra volume provides even more content.
- Main Story: 7 volumes (Complete)
- Side Stories: 1 volume
Knowing the series is finished is a significant advantage for new readers. You can begin the journey from Volume 3 and read through to the very end, experiencing the entire saga of Irina and Lev’s ambitious dream without any risk of the story being left on a permanent cliffhanger.
Where Can You Read the Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut Light Novel?
To read the Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut light novel in English, you should look for the official release from publisher Seven Seas Entertainment. They publish the series under their Airship imprint, and having an official publisher ensures a high-quality translation and supports the creators.
The series is widely available through major retailers in both physical and digital formats, making it easy to access.
- Physical Copies: You can find the paperback volumes at major online and brick-and-mortar booksellers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and RightStuf.
- Digital/E-book Copies: For those who prefer reading on a device, the e-books are available on popular platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Kobo, and Google Play.
To continue the story directly after the anime, make sure you purchase Volume 3. This will allow you to jump right back into the narrative and discover what happens next in the race to the stars.
FAQs About where does the irina the vampire cosmonaut anime end in the light novel
Will there be a Season 2 of Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut?
It is highly unlikely there will be a Season 2 of the anime. The first season aired in 2021, which coincided with the release of the final light novel volume. This timing suggests the anime served primarily as a promotion to boost sales for the conclusion of the source material. As of 2026, no second season has been announced.
Is there a manga for Irina the Vampire Cosmonaut?
Yes, a manga adaptation exists, but it is very short and incomplete. The manga went on an indefinite hiatus in 2019 after only one volume was released, reportedly due to the artist’s health issues. Because of this, the light novel remains the only medium to experience the complete story beyond the anime.
What award did Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut win?
The light novel series won the prestigious 53rd Seiun Award in 2022. It was awarded in the “Best Japanese Long Story” category, which is a significant honor in the Japanese science fiction community. This award highlights the critical acclaim and quality of the original source material.
What is the relationship between Irina and Lev in the later light novels?
Their relationship deepens significantly, moving from professional allies to a central romantic focus. The later volumes explore their shared dream of reaching the Moon together amidst increasing political turmoil and personal sacrifices. They eventually confess their feelings for each other and get engaged by the end of the series.
Who animated the Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut anime?
The anime series was produced by the animation studio Arvo Animation. This studio was responsible for the 12-episode series that aired in Japan from October to December 2021. The adaptation covered the first two volumes of the light novel, introducing the world and characters to a wider audience.
Are the new characters in Volume 3 important?
Yes, the characters introduced in Volume 3 are very important to the overall story. Bart Fifield and Kaye Scarlet, the new protagonists from the United Kingdom of Arnack, play a crucial role in the latter half of the series. Their storyline and development eventually merge with Lev and Irina’s, becoming essential to the final volumes’ plot.
Do Irina and Lev go to the Moon together in the light novel?
No, they do not land on the Moon together in the final mission. In the last volume, Lev and an astronaut from Arnack are the ones who land on the Moon, symbolizing the two nations’ cooperation. Irina fulfills a critical role by staying in orbit to pilot the craft for their safe return, a decision that forms a key emotional point of the story’s conclusion.
Is reading the light novel from Volume 1 worth it?
Yes, if you want the most complete and immersive experience. While the anime is a good adaptation of the main plot, the light novels provide much more depth. You will gain greater insight into the characters’ inner thoughts, the complex political situation, and the finer details of the world that were condensed for the anime.
What genre is Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut?
It is primarily a science fantasy series with strong elements of alternate history and romance. It masterfully combines the real-world historical context of the Cold War space race with the fictional element of vampires. This unique blend allows it to explore themes of prejudice, ambition, and human (and non-human) connection.
What is “Tsuki to Laika to Nosferatu”?
“Tsuki to Laika to Nosferatu” is the original Japanese title of the series. It translates to “The Moon, Laika, and the Nosferatu (Vampire).” The title directly references the core elements of the story: the ultimate goal of reaching the Moon, a nod to the famous Soviet space dog Laika, and Irina’s identity as a vampire.
Key Takeaways: Irina the Vampire Cosmonaut Anime to Light Novel Guide
- Start Reading from Volume 3: The anime adapts the first two light novels, so to continue the story immediately, you must begin with Volume 3.
- The Story is Complete: The light novel series is finished with a total of 7 main volumes, meaning you can read the entire, complete narrative from start to finish.
- The World Expands Significantly: The story after the anime introduces a new setting (the rival nation of Arnack) and new main characters, shifting the scope of the space race.
- The Light Novel Offers More Depth: While the anime is a faithful adaptation, the source material contains much more detail on character thoughts, politics, and world-building.
- A Season 2 is Unlikely: The anime was likely a promotional tool for the light novel’s conclusion, and no new season has been announced since it aired in 2021.
- The Manga is Incomplete: A manga adaptation exists but is not a viable way to continue the story, as it stopped production after only one volume.
- Look for the Official English Release: The official English translation is published by Seven Seas Entertainment, ensuring you get a high-quality, legitimate reading experience.
Final Thoughts on Continuing the Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut Story
For fans who felt the Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut anime ended too soon, the light novel series offers a complete and deeply satisfying continuation of the story. The anime perfectly sets the stage, but the books are where the ambitious narrative truly unfolds, exploring a larger world and taking the characters to their ultimate emotional and physical destinations.
By starting with Volume 3, you are not just reading a sequel; you are unlocking the full, award-winning story that the anime only began to tell. Your journey with Irina and Lev is far from over—it’s waiting for you in the pages of the light novels.
Last update on 2026-02-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
